‘Don’t call me godmother!’

Narayanganj-4 lawmaker Shamim Osman has declared he is starting campaign for the Awami League-nominated candidate for the city corporation election from today.

"I didn't campaign for the 'boat' the way I should have. But, I am starting from today," Shamim Osman said at a press briefing in Narayanganj.

Shamim Osman said everyone wants him on their side.

"I kept quiet because it is not my job. But different issues have been created centring my silence and my political image got damaged. Some people are harming the party from within, some from outside," he said.

"I was just thinking that I will hold a press conference on behalf of our party. It's a matter of five lakh voters. Those who fell to the ground from the top believe the reports of different organisations. Our root is in the ground," he said. 

Talking about the torture on Osman family, allegedly by BNP, Shamim Osman said, "…. Narayanganj is the base of boat, Narayanganj is the base of Sheikh Hasina, Narayanganj is the base of Bangabandhu and the base of those who support Liberation War. Don't try to play any game here."

Shamim Osman said nobody cares who is contesting the elections. The only thing people should consider is the "boat" symbol, he said.

Asked why people called him "a godfather", Shamim Osman said people can call him godfather or brother -- anything they want. "Just don't call me a godmother. Because I am a man. I am used to hearing these slangs," he said.

About AL-nominated mayor candidate Selina Hayat Ivy's allegation that Shamim Osman is supporting independent candidate Taimur Alam Khandakar, he said what she said is her business. "If I respond, it will affect the election," he said.